Turkish Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2006 , Vol 52 , Num 2

Long Term Follow Up Protocol in Spinal Cord Injured Patients

Belgin Erhan 1
1 İstanbul Fiziksel Tedavi Rehabilitasyon Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi, Fiziksel Tıp ve Rehabilitasyon Kliniği, İstanbul, Türkiye

In recent years, life expectancy of spinal cord injured patients has improved. As it is a chronic situation, proper follow up is important in order to decrease mortality and morbidity and increase quality of life. After spinal cord injury the follow up of the patient must be patient specific besides general principles. A multidisciplinary and qualified team approach is needed. Urinary system, respiratory system, cardiovascular system, nervous system, gastrointestinal system, skin and musculoskeletal system are the systems that should be followed up with established guidelines.

Keywords : Spinal cord ınjury, long term follow-up